Car show on tap for Packard Museum

The theme of this year's annual event is 'Packards at Your Service.'
WARREN -- The National Packard Museum plans two major events in July at the facility at 1899 Mahoning Ave. N.W.
First up is the Antique Automobile Club of America Central Division national fall meet, "Old Cars Come Alive in '05," on July 7-9.
The museum is home to a newly chartered Warren chapter of the AACA. Daryl Timko is president of the Packard Museum Friends chapter. Bob Sturdevant is the chapter trustee, and Terry Martin is chapter vice president.
The AACA had approached the museum about hosting the fall meet. This prestigious show was pitched to the museum's board and the AACA board in Columbus by Sturdevant, a volunteer who is the museum's 2005 car shows chairman.
The second show at the museum is the 16th annual Packard Car Show, July 21 to 24.
The theme of this year's event is "Packards at Your Service." On display will be examples of Packard vehicles that were used in the service industry.
Restored vehicles on display
Among them will be a 1953 Packard "Henney Body" three-door Air Force ambulance, donated to the museum by Hershel Murphy of Indianapolis.
This car, a Junior Series Packard with "senior" trim and interior, was originally used at an Oklahoma Air Force base.
Beautifully restored, this car is now on display at the museum. Along with the vehicle, Murphy included a gurney, bandages and accessories to add to the display.
Other vehicles will include the Detroit Flying Squad fire truck, a "carved body" funeral coach, a taxi cab and Goodyear's Wing Foot Express.
There also will be a Friday night cocktail reception and a Saturday night dinner-dance in conjunction with the annual show, both in the Packard Park Shelter House.
Two tours are scheduled for the show: an historic downtown tour and a visit to a large private collection of restored classics.
The museum recently learned from U.S. Rep. Tim Ryan of Niles, D-17th, that the new federal transportation bill, passed by the House of Representatives, contains dollars for expansion of the facility. The legislation is now being taken up by the Senate and would need signed by President Bush this summer.
The museum's membership exceeds 400 people with an active volunteer base of more than 100.
Last year the museum presented three exhibits and hosted 51 tours and 16 social events. It also participated in 15 community events including parades.
For more details, call (330) 394-1899 or e-mail National@Packardmuseum.org.